The National tribune., 1887-10-13

Alter this temporary success OF Bragg on ohi
right. he again commenced a concentration ON
his right, intending 20 follow up his tactics oi
the day before ovcrwhelm our left, aud place
his forces between us and Chattanooga. Gen
Bragg hotly pressed the troops OF Gen. Baird
SO as 10 cover the movement Of Gen. Breckln-
ridge, who was then
SECURING A LoDGEMENT
in the rear of the loft of our line OF battle
Col. Van Derveers Brigade. then being in re-
serve was ordered TO the left 60 support Baird
Gen Brock inridge, with his division o Com
fedcrates had already passed the left and gain
cd the rear Of almost Baird's entire liue, and
coming upon n run struck our brigade upon
the left flank as we were marching IN close
column TO the front Gen. Nan Dervecr, as
only hc could do, wheeled the brigade 60 Tho
left facing the enemy; this under the most
trying circumstances The enemy nneNpcci-
edly came on a full charge, within less than
100 yards of us, the dust so thick that we could
scarcely see the third man. Added 10 this were
the struggling troops an full retreat. parts oi
batteries rushing by from the field, with every
indicati0n Of rout. The reader may imagine
the circumstances under which this change OF
line took place
Tie 2d Mmn. and S7th Ind, in the front line
fred one Volley, when the 9th and Both Ohio
were ordered 10 pass lines 20 the front aud
charge Here occurred the unusual spectacle
that rarely happens. of two armies charging
each other nj the same instant. The order was
given when the two bodies were about 80 yards
apart, aud was promptly executed The rebels
WERE HURLED RACK
on tho doube-Quck about bali a mile 10 theiy
reserves. SO enectual was this repulse that no
further attempt was made TO gain our rear in
this direction.
Having received orders 10 reioin Gen. Bran
nan. Col. Van Derveer extricaicd our brigade by
passing lines 10 the rear, one regiment rising,
deiivernpa volley, and then falling back Of the
three Others. The rebels were too severely
punished 10 follow us far.
The troops on the right Of Gen. Bannan
having been hurled from the field and finding
the Coiledeates gaining position in his rear,
with no protection 10 his right flank. lac with
drew hisright about half mile TO command
ing hin, which proved the key to our position.
Here it was that
G0RB0N's AND sTEEDMAN's RESERVES
proved Of such valuable assistance 10 Gen.
Thomas Our brigade soon reported TO Gen.
BrannAn at a time when our services were
most needed, and we were placed on the front
line, and every preparation made 10 defend il.
Nothing can exceed the desperate determi-
nation with which the rebels endeavared TO
carTx. this point, repeatedly hurling entire di-
visions on the small force defending a.. in their
fierce cagcrness TO gain position which would
undoubtedly give them a complete victory.
Every charge was repulsed ia most gallant
style and when night closed found This hill
still I'm our possession.
With night closod the battle of Chickamauga.
About dusk Confederate General, just proccd-
ing his troops, appeared in front of the 35th
Ohio. Upon asking whose troops those wore,
and discovering his mistake, be attempted TO
wheel and return, but volly from some Of the
35th Ohio. who yet had ammunition in their
guns, Killed this unfortunate though brave
officer and drove his forces back This WAS
the hast firing done on the
FIELD or CHIcKAMAUGA.
Shortly after this we received orders TO re-
tire on Rossville. Thus Van Deryecr's Brigade
was nos only about the first TO open the battle,
but the very last 10 fire a shot, and the last 10
leave ihc field when the battle closed. So snc-
cessfhlly were we withdrawn thai the COnfed-
crates were not aware of il until after sunrise
next Cay. Then, so fearfuly We're they pun
ished, they followed us very carefully and re-
luctanHy.
The loss 10 the 35th Ohio during these two
dayswag nearly 0ne-half It's nulnber The loss
20 the Army Of the Cumberland was upwards
of 10000. or about one-third OF It's strength
Gen. Bragg admits a loss o. about two-Giths.
which would make his LOSSES vary. according to
the different estimates, from 25.000 upwards
I
FIERcENEss or TIE CONTEST.
1caInotmore ittingly close this article than
with v reference to our commanders. Gen.
Branian, in speaking Of our brigade SAYS:
THIS gallant brigade was one OF the few which
maintained its organization perfect through
the hard-iouglit passes OF the day." We need
hardly add this was owing TO the cnolncss.
good Judgment, and tact OF Col.Yan Derveer
Gen. Brannan further saws: Mhere the con-
duct OF all h SO cOmmendable. il Is hardly pas-
sible for me Ia select any ior particular men
tion5 vet j cannot conclude my report without
bringing 20 especial notice OF the Commanding
General the gallant and meritOrious conduct of
Col. ~ Aan Derveer 35th Ohio. commanding
Third Brigade, whose fearlessness and calm
judgment in the most trying situations added
materially 10 the efficiency of his command,
which be handled both days in the most kill.
ful manner,
PUNIsHING THE ENEMY SEVERELY"
Need ] say anything as 10 Gen. Tbomas? II
iE Filrely that a man occupies for wears \ posi.
tion Of great responsibility and hazard without
doing or saving something Cor which his friends
will feel the necessity Of apologzng This is
especially true when The elevation is sudden or
when surrounded by incapable men, and often
compelled TO act under those who have neither
ms honor nor his ability. Under such circum.
stances, 10 utter no angry word and do no i'm.
prudent act Is evidence of an eouipoisc al
character seldom found yetth is strictly true
OF Gen. Thomas. From the beginning To the
end OF the war not breath Of slander
TARNIsED HIS FAIR FAME.
Serving in different commands and uude,
different commanders be. himself was never
asked 10 defend his conduct OF apologize for :
mistake. Coming from Virginia, be remained
true, when she seeded, to che Government hs
had obligated himself 20 defend.
Us manners were courteous and gentle "a
al grave, but not stern. His expression nj.
tractae instead Of rcpellng the beholder. III.
military and personal record Is without a blot
Modest and retiring, his merits alone pushed
him 10 eminence He Thought twice before a,
spoke and then in careful and measured Ian
gugge. Lis soldiers knew his worth ar a sol.
oier, aud lie was spoken of as the brains o.
the amy Pap" Thomas, As be was called
would indicate the character Of our feelings To-
ward hiD. lac needs no defenders. for he had
mo detractors lmmoyabe as a cliff be Wai
never driven from the field The simpi,
tenaciiy with which he clung 70 his position
OBJ Chickamauga is the wonder Of time. aud a.,
never losl the Title won there, nobler than am,
the Government could confer, The Rock O
Chickamauga"
Intelligent Dogs.